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MedicionAirGAPgeneradores 08mar23
MedicionAirGAPgeneradores 08mar23
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19734/air-gap-a-critical-measurement-in-
hydroelectric-generator-performance?uid=
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The Kaman AGT significantly reduces the number of overhaul technician hours
required to inspect and analyze this critical operating parameter. Recent field tests
have proven that a reduction in hours of 90% is achievable.
Kaman’s new AGT has been developed to make this static measurement
electronically simply by sliding the spring end of the robust measurement paddle
into the gap between the rotor and stator. Compression of the springs to match the
gap is measured in real time by an eddy current sensor coil located between the
springs. The compression springs are wide enough to account for variability in
different rotor and stator windings. This permits the tool to be used with different
winding sizes and patterns without adjustment.
Signal conditioning electronics at the handle end of the paddle accurately translate
the inductance change in the sensor coil to distance — available in imperial or
metric units - and wirelessly transmit to the operator’s handheld device. The AGT is
user friendly and accurate. Like the parallels, the AGT can be used in any
orientation, horizontally or vertically depending on the design of the generator. The
AGT is powered by a long-life rechargeable battery permitting up to eight hours of
operation between charges.
During typical use, operator A positions the tool between the rotor and stator poles.
Operator B then records data via the mobile app; this can be done either by voice
command or touching the “Write Point” button on the mobile device shown in
Figure 4. The app then sequentially numbers the data points and stores them,
leaving no need for an operator to record manually. Data can be viewed in the app
and downloaded to a PC for storage and analysis. This download feature is a
major time saver for operators and eliminates possible manual data entry errors.
More information on using the app is detailed below.
Figure 4. The mobile app
intuitively stores measurements and notifies if out of range. Source: Kaman
Measuring
Using the mobile app
When the app is launched, it will automatically search for an AGT within Bluetooth
range, which is typically 10 ft to 15 ft. An AGT within range will display on the
screen and connect upon operator command. The intuitive user interface is easily
set up prior to taking measurements. Main features include:
While the AGT is designed to wirelessly communicate with the app on the mobile
device, some environments may have too much background interference for
reliable communications. If a communication interruption occurs, recording of
measurements resumes from the last data point when communication is restored.
The AGT is supplied with factory calibration to NIST traceable standards for
measurement ranges from 0.4 inch to 1.3 inches. With factory calibration,
measurement accuracy is 0.001 inch over the entire measurement range. If an
operator has a calibration lab to set the compression springs to specific distances,
then a calibration check or recalibration can be done within the app.
At this same facility, the operator quickly downloaded data from the app into an
Excel spreadsheet and generated the radar plot shown in figure 5. The data is
displayed with the actual pole number. Two sets of data were taken by two
different operators to verify repeatability of the measurements. As can be readily
seen, results are consistent. A quick review of the data can reveal inconsistencies
or potential problem locations that should be verified.
Figure 5.
Measurement data easily and quickly reported for operator analysis. Source:
Kaman Measuring
Kaman Measuring
While other tools can measure hydroelectric rotor and stator alignment to an
acceptable level, none can compete with the speed and precision of the Kaman
static AGT.